Raised patios have their own appeal. Not only do they improve the visual appeal of the area but also provide a separate space for relaxation, fun, and entertainment with a better view. As easy as it seems, building a raised patio is not that easy. It is a process that requires perfect technique and skills because you will need to set up the base for the raised patio carefully. However, the fruits are long-term if done the right way, preferably, by a patio contractor. We will share the process of building a raised patio if you’re interested.

Design Your Patio

The first step of the process is the design of the patio. Having a design in your mind is one thing but laying it down on a piece of paper is another and important. It is often that homeowners tend to be lazy and expect the contractors to follow the visual idea.

This will only call for mistakes and that too expensive ones. The biggest advantage of designing your patio on a piece of paper is that it gives you a clear idea of how it will look at the end of the day. With a design on paper, you can make the changes you want and leave no stone unturned.

Furthermore, you should also note down the materials and tools that will be required. You will also have to choose pavers for your patio. Once you are done with the design and the list of required tools, move the next step.

Mark Your Patio Layout

It is now time to lay out the patio. When it comes to marking your patio layout, we recommend using white chalk instead of a spray so that you can easily wipe it off once the patio is built. Plus, before you can dig into the area, you will need to determine the location of the underground facilities i.e. electricity and gas pipelines.

These facilities will also be marked using the same chalk so that the contractor and the team do not miss out on them. Coming across any other color might lead to confusion. Keep in mind that building a raised patio requires a lot of gravel. However, when you excavate a trench, it’s only for the wall block of the patio, not the entire patio. Use the chalk to mark a trench for the wall block.

Mark The Square and Set Up Finish Grade

Now that you have painted your reference lines, you should move on to marking the square and setting up the grade. For this, you will need to grab a string and stretch it across the foundation to ensure it is straight. To do that, you will need to get the string as close to the foundation as possible without touching it. Then, use it a reference for your grade.

At the end of your project or when the patio is built, the finish grade is the point where you would want the paving stones to be. Plus, depending on your needs and preferences, select the inches from the siding.

Then, mark two perpendicular reference lines on both the outside walls and the outsides of your pavers. Now, you need to make a perpendicular intersecting line. Do it by using a 3-4-5 triangle and a string line level. This will help you make that line level with the first line. After that, we will drop both the lines for the grade.

Excavate A Raised Wall Trench

Finally, we have the reference lines or strings set up along with the trench. Because your raised patio comes with a retaining wall, you should gather the materials. It would be 4 inches of embedment, 6 inches of compacted gravel, and half of a wall block. Once everything is ready, you should perform a double-check. Plus, check the measurements as well because your measurements should be accurate. The process of building a raised patio differs based on the size, dimension, and location of the patio.

Some patios require relatively more digging than others. Also, if you make a mistake, you most probably will have to repeat the entire process.

So, make sure you go through everything in detail and do not miss out on anything that might cause a problem later or get help from professionals like patio building experts and retaining wall builders Long Island.

Lay A Gravel Base

Now that you are done digging a trench for your wall block according to your desired needs and preferences, it is time to bring in the gravel to build a gravel base. This is going to mark the beginning of the project. Based on the requirements, use a specific amount of compacted gravel.

Make sure that you follow the reference lines just as you did when excavating. Once the gravel is in there and the first course has been set, make sure it is compact and properly level. Then, you can set the wall blocks. Keep in mind that you are building a raised patio, which means the position of the wall blocks will also differ. Always use the string line to measure down and get the correct grade. For this, you might have to put in some time and effort.

Backfill

Next, you are going to backfill and stack your subsequent courses. To begin with, you are going to fill the cells of the blocks with gravel so that they are compact. Continue installing the blocks making sure they are inline and you are using the right materials. Remember, you are going to need an adhesive to keep the blocks together.

This might be a complicated decision especially if you are purchasing it on your own. Therefore, before you waste your money, consult an expert and have them help you pick the right option.

Add A Patio Wall And Screed Your Patio Bedding Material

Before that, you should install capstones. There is a huge variety of capstones available out there and you should pick the ones that meet your needs and preferences. If they are packed, make sure you properly clean them so that there is no dirt and dust.

Moreover, you should also use an adhesive. Then again, you will need something that is designed to hold the patio wall based on the material. Moving on, you should screed the bedding material. For that, you must use the right screeding tool. Don’t worry, you can find one at your nearest supermarket.

Lay The Pavers and Finish the Project

At last, the project has come to an end and all you need to do is lay down the paving stones. Begin by laying down the pavers from the center. This is done to ensure all the pavers settle down properly and equally. Once the pavers are in place, use sand or some other material to cover the gaps and remove the excess.

Conclusion

Building a raised patio is surely not an easy task. However, we have made it easy for you having discussed the process in detail. If it’s complicated, hire a patio builder Long Island and have them build a raised patio for you. This is a better option anyway considering most homeowners do not have the time to work on such projects. It will surely cost you money but will be worth the investment.